Terrific tigers

Balestier Khalsa won more than just the gleaming RHB Singapore Cup trophy and the $100,000 prize money after beating 10-man Home United 3-1 in a thrilling final at the Jalan Besar Stadium last night.

The Tigers also won plaudits for the beautiful passing football in attack and their resolute defence, and credit and respect for consistently beating the so-called bigger teams this season.

This is Balestier's first Singapore Cup win and, with that, they have also earned their first stab at the AFC Cup, an annual international competition among domestic clubs run by the Asian Football Confederation, next year.

"Why did everyone think Home United were the favourites? For what? We pressured them high up the pitch, scored two goals in the first half, bye bye.

"We defended well and got the third goal, it was simple."

Indeed, in front of 6,175 fans which included President Tony Tan Keng Yam, Balestier were more than a match for six-time winners Home United, who are the most successful club in the competition's history.

Goran Ljubojevic gave the Tigers a 15th-minute lead when he expertly turned and fired a left-footed shot from outside the box into the corner beyond Shahril Jantan.

Kim Minho doubled the advantage from the spot 13 minutes later after he was hacked down by Masrezwan Masturi in the box.

RED CARD

Park Kang Jin put the icing on the cake with the third goal in the 90th minute after the Tigers outnumbered Home United on a fast break following Noh Rahman's sending-off eight minutes earlier for a second bookable offence.

After laying siege on the Home United goal without much success, Sirina Camara finally beat an outstanding Zaiful Nizam with a consolation goal from the spot after he was brought down by Zulkiffli Hassim.

For Kraljevic, the victory was especially sweet as he had played for the Tigers from 1991 to 1993 and from 1996 to 1998.

He said: "When Boss (Balestier chairman S Thavaneson) asked me to take over this season, I didn't think for two seconds before agreeing. So yes, this is very special, to win a trophy in my first year leading a senior team, at a club where I used to play."

While the 49-year-old would like to stay on and continue the good work, he admitted to setting his sights higher.

When asked if this was the best moment in his football career, Kraljevic quipped to laughter in the press conference room: "Not yet." He added: "I have goals too. Maybe one day I will take over the (Singapore)national team. Why not?

Due to inclement weather, the Singapore Pools FA Cup 2014 final between Balestier Khalsa FC (Prime League) and Singapore Recreation Club has been postponed to today, 5.30pm, at Jalan Besar Stadium. Entry is free.

Why did everyone think Home United were the favourites? For what? We pressured them high up the pitch, scored two goals in the first half, bye bye. - Balestier coach Marko Kraljevic

davidlee@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Nov 08, 2014. Get The New Paper for more stories.